Abstract
Static generation is a commonly known phenomenon in highspeed textile processing which results in several problems such as static clingand in extreme cases, static induced fires. This paper discusses variousantistatic chemicals which are used by the industry to achieve antistaticproperties to prevent accumulation of static and making the processes safer andmore efficient. Also discussed in this paper are several methods used toincorporate antistatic agents into a material and various mechanisms whichantistats follow to perform their task.
Keywords: Static electricity, static cling, antistats
Introduction
In textile industry, static generation is observed invarious high speed processes such as spinning, weaving etc. Static accumulationnot only interferes with several processes but it also results into otherproblems such as clinging tendency of garments or even electrical shocks. Inextreme cases, static accumulation may also result into sparking which mayfurther pose as a fire or explosion hazard. For textile fibers to be safe forconsumer and reduce processing problems due to static build-up, it is of utmostimportance to incorporate additives which act as antistatic agents. Antistaticagents are chemical additives which prevent or reduce the accumulation ofelectric charges on a surface by imparting some electrical conductivity to it.They should be able to increase the rate of charge dissipation. Antistaticagents are either added to the bulk or to the surface of fibers [1, 2, 4, 5]. Inthis paper, we discuss electrostatic charging of dielectric polymers,classification of antistatic agents, methods of application and mechanisms ofaction.
About the Author:
The authoris Graduate Research Assistant at North Carolina State University
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